Blog

When you first get your socks, they’re going to look too small for you to wear. It’s not because they’re too small… it’s because they’re cute compression socks. In fact, every pair of compression socks I’ve ever tried (or owned!) has looked suspiciously small coming out of the packaging.

But that’s because they’re compression socks – and they stretch like crazy. So don’t be put off or shocked when you open yours… because you’ve been forewarned. And now we’ll dive into putting on – and wearing – those cute compression stockings of yours.

Here’s how to put on your cute compression socks

Now that you’ve mentally prepared to open your socks, here’s how to put them on.

Once you’ve opened your socks, turn the calf tube down so that it’s inside out and covers up the whole foot of your socks.

Slip your foot into the half-inside-out compression socks.

Adjust the foot and ankle area to your desired level of comfort.

Remember that it’s going to be tighter than you’re used to. That’s normal and expected!

Pull the calf section of the sock up to just below your knees. (I like mine about an inch below my knee – that way there’s no circulation issues whether I’m standing, sitting on a chair, or sitting cross-legged on the floor)

These socks are designed long (all knee-high compression socks are). That’s normal and done on purpose – so that you have plenty of sock to adjust for your comfort.

Adjust the sock so that you’ve got plenty of space for movement. The best places to adjust the sock are at your ankle and at your calf.

Your socks should NOT move – no matter how much you do.

Your socks should fit snugly and comfortably just below your knee.

Please don’t pull them over your knees. These are not thigh-high compression socks – they’re knee-high cute compression socks. Pulling them up higher than your knees – or folding them over in half to “make them shorter” will cause circulation issues.

And here’s how long you should wear ’em

While compression socks are tight, these shouldn’t be uncomfortable. And they definitely shouldn’t hurt!

If they fit well, you should be able to wear them for at least a few hours at a time. Depending on your health and your circumstances, that could mean just an our or two to start – so that your legs can adjust to their new, fashionable attire. Or, it could mean you can rock those suckers for a whole work day. But when you get home, take them off. Just like with new shoes, you don’t want to over-wear them – or you could get blisters.

Now, if they don’t fit and are too uncomfortable (or they straight up hurt), take them off. Immediately. There’s other sizes and other levels of compression, so please don’t try to “tough it out.” You’re already awesome and tough – you don’t need to get hurt to prove it.

Be sure to share these cute compression socks pointers with other sock lovers – by pinning it for later!

Have you ever seen one of those “best of epic fail” videos on YouTube? It’s like I’m back in my childhood, suddenly watching an on-demand, much-more-recent episode of America’s Funniest Home Videos! Some of them are so painful that you can’t look away – and others you just hurt for the poor person who thought filming that activity was a good idea. In any case, let’s take a look at some ways people have tried to wear their support socks – and it didn’t work so well.

How NOT to wear your Support Socks

If you’re reading this and wondering how people can get wearing socks wrong… I used to wonder that, too. Then, I started reading the reviews and comments and emails that people who bought my socks would leave me. And suddenly, I realized what my English 315 professor had meant when she insisted we practice writing insanely simplistic instruction manuals. Y’all, I’d thought socks didn’t need instructions. I was wrong – which is why I wrote the Complete Cute Compression Sock Guide (which you can get for free when you subscribe on the home page).

Anyway, let’s see some support sock fails, shall we?

1. Please don’t be surprised when your support socks are tight.

Have you ever tried on a new shirt, and been disappointed when the manufacturer’s definition of “medium” or “large” was nowhere near the rest of the world’s definition? It’s frustrating when you try something on (that you very reasonably thought would fit) – only to find out that it doesn’t.

But what about when you try on something that you know is going to feel snug? What then? Are you surprised, frustrated, or relieved that it’s as advertised?

Compression and support socks do just that – they compress your leg. They’re tight, y’all. I know it. That’s why I try to make it abundantly clear that they are tight. Even so… the handful of 1-star reviews on Amazon make me think that some folks are shocked that these socks are so tight.

3. Support socks aren’t meant to be folded over.

Yes, compression socks are long. And a few enterprising souls decided that they could fix that – by simply folding the top part of the socks down. While that works great for regular socks (especially the cute little girls’ church socks!), it kinda backfires with compression socks.

Why?

Because support socks are tight. So when you double up the already-tight fabric, well, you’re just making everything even tighter.

So, it’s gonna be too tight – and maybe even hurt.

4. Why would you wear something – or do something – that hurts?

Pain is a fantastic way for our body to learn not to do things that could hurt or kill us. So if your support stockings are too tight… why not buy a lower compression rating and/or a different sized sock?

I get it – I do. It’s hard when there’s only one size available. But that’s why I put together a list of ten of my favorite compression socks – that way, if these don’t fit you, you’ll be able to see some others that should have your size available.

Because wearing something that hurts just sounds… painful. So don’t do it, y’all.

If they hurt, take ’em off. Try again another time – or try a different pair.

5. Yes, they’re long. But they’re adjustable.

Okay, so let’s get back to the fact that all compression socks are long. They are long so that they are adjustable.

Please don’t use scissors to “adjust” them to a better size… especially if sewing isn’t already a hobby of yours.

Those are the 5 most common support stocking fails I’ve seen – have I missed any? I’d love to hear your story, too!

This is me giving y’all a heads up that there’s affiliate ad links in this post. Learn more.

Recently, my friend realized that where I’m from (Arizona), temperatures regularly hit above 110 degrees. She was shocked, especially since she knows I enjoy hiking. She was appalled that I’d hike in that kind of weather. And, well, the truth is – I don’t hike in that weather. It’s unsafe. But winters in Arizona are perfect for hiking. Now that I live in Utah, though, hiking can be a year-round thing – when done right and with the right equipment. So here are 10 hiking essentials for wherever you live, including the best hiking compression socks.

#10 Wear the Best Hiking Compression Socks

When you’re hiking, your legs are taking quite a beating. Especially if you chose a hike with a good sized incline! Wearing some good hiking compression socks will help you hike happier while keeping the recovery to a minimum.

Now, where do you find the best hiking compression socks? You’re going to want hiking compression socks that breathe, don’t cause blisters, and give you the support you need. And that can mean trying out several different kinds of compression socks – but to save you some time, here’s my top 10 list of favorite compression socks for nurses. However, I’ve worn many of those while hiking, and they work great.

#9 Take a Flashlight

It’s darn hard to hike when you can’t see! I remember one failed night hike in particular. It was during my college days. A group of friends wanted to go see the sunrise from a particular ridge, and I tagged along after a long shift at a restaurant where I was working at the time. Being sore wasn’t the problem, though. It was that my flashlight gave out part way into the hike. I, and another gal who took pity on me, were forced to turn back. It was while I was stumbling around in the dark that I tripped and injured myself.

It was then and there that I swore to always take a backup flashlight!

#8 Always Pack a First Aid Kit

Coming in at #8, always pack a first aid kit. And I’m not saying that just because I’m a nurse! Bumps, bruises, bug bites, and blisters are common when hiking. I’ve also seen a few run-ins with poison ivy, dehydration, and fatigue. A well-packed first aid kit is often the difference between a miserable hike – and one that teaches others to love hiking, too.

#7 Taking Kids Hiking? Take a Carrier, too!

If you’re taking little kids hiking, then you need to take a carrier. Or a stroller. But since most hikes aren’t generally designed with a stroller in mind, a carrier is a very handy thing to have! We’ve got two carriers – this Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 backpack carrier (though we bought it for about $175 at Costco) and an Ergo 360 Mesh Carrier.

The great thing about the Kelty is that it’s a framed backpack, distributing the kid’s weight evenly, making hiking with a kid a breeze. It also has enough space for the rest of our gear, which is a nice perk. We tote the youngest child in that – then if the toddler gets tired, we get the Ergo out of storage from the Kelty and can tote him around safely, too.

#6 Pack a Fire Starter Kit, Just in Case

Getting lost sucks, and nobody really plans on getting lost. But if you did get lost, being able to start a fire would be handy, wouldn’t it? We’ve got some waterproof matches in the backpack, just in case. Because if we’re prepared, we won’t need them, right?

#5 Don’t Get Lost: Plan Your Route, Take a Map, and Use Your GPS or Compass

When it comes to hiking, it’s important to plan your route. Because as that Cheshire cat says, if you don’t know where you’re going, it doesn’t much matter which path you take. Unless you’re hiking and you want to get back to your car, of course. Then you probably ought to keep track of where you’re going.

Take a map. Know how to use it. Because while using your GPS is awesome, sometimes it can lead you astray – even stranding you in the middle of nowhere. So be smart, okay? Have backup maps. Take a compass. And if you have to mark where you’re going, do so responsibly.

#4 Kids or Not, Take Food

Always. Take. Food.

And if you’ve got kids, be smart. Take extra food – and make sure it’s stuff that they’ll actually eat. When one of my kids went through a “I’m only gonna eat crackers!!” phase, we brought lots of crackers. And then we had to bring extra juice – and planned for extra potty breaks. It’s a vicious, vicious hiking cycle. Good thing it’s worth it, right?

#3 Bring a Poncho, an Extra Layer of Clothes, and lots of Sunscreen

We usually bring a light jacket when we go hiking, because kids get cold – and so do I. But be aware of where you’re hiking and what the weather can do there. Then, be prepared for the unexpected as best as you can.

Then, remember to wear sunscreen. And if you’re going for a long hike, bring the bottle of it so you can reapply it later. Sunburns are no fun, y’all. So wear a hat!

Melissa Ringstaff, in her article 7 Safety Essentials for Hiking, recommends bringing a coat and an extra pair of socks. 2 pairs of compression socks, perhaps?

#2 Bring a Friend and Share Your Plans with Someone

Growing up in Arizona, there were so many stories on the news about people who’d gone hiking alone – and then didn’t make it home alive. More often than not, they succumbed to heat exhaustion or heat stroke related to dehydration because they didn’t account for the heat. However, there were also plenty of stories where investigations determined that the story could have had a happier ending if only the person had let someone know they were going hiking first.

Please hike safely, y’all. This one strikes home, having lost a cousin to the mountains of Arizona.

#1 Always Bring More Water Than You Think You’ll Need

Finally, the #1 most important part of hiking (I know – it’s even more important than wearing hiking compression socks!) is taking enough water. In fact, bring more water than you need. If you’ve got too much at the end of a hike, it won’t hurt you. But if you run out of water on a hike… well, that can hurt you.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke sneak up on you like no other. I’ve experienced heat exhaustion – and it’s not fun. And they can sneak up on you, even on a short walk. My sister lost a friend who went for a short, several-mile hike in the Grand Canyon. So bring plenty of water – even on a short hike.

Hiking is a fun, amazing activity. Be prepared, be safe, and have lots of fun! What other hiking essentials do you take with you?

This is me giving y’all a heads up that there’s affiliate ad links in this post. Learn more.

I can still remember the exact moment, as a nursing student, when my instructors first mentioned that we should all wear compression socks during our clinicals. I wasn’t buying it – and neither were most of the other students. Until Whitney, one of the other nursing students, went on and on about how much she loved her pair. Back then, however, there weren’t many cute compression socks for nurses. I’m so glad things have changed since then!

Because now there’s a lot of awesome compression stockings for nurses, doctors, techs, and even the pharmacists are wearing them.

The only downside to there being a lot of cute compression stockings for nurses to choose from? It’s that there’s a lot to choose from. And that can be a tad overwhelming… but to help others who don’t buy new compression socks for fun, here’s my top 10 best cute compression socks for nurses.

My Top 10 Best Cute Compression Socks for Nurses – and Anyone Else on their Feet All Day

Okay, so I admit that I’m biased and that my socks are my favorites. But I’ve got lots of other pairs that I adore – and they’re from different brands. So I wanted you to see some of the other sock brands that I enjoy wearing. There’s no real rhyme or reason to the order in this top 10, other than my socks are my favorites and I’ve divided the socks into two groups, based on their compression ratings.

For our first several pairs of socks, we’re gonna be in the 15-20 mmHg compression range.

These socks and stockings are still tight and full of support. They just aren’t as tight or supportive as those in the 20-30 mmHg compression category.

In other words, Sockwell makes a solid sock. They’re awesome. So if my Cute Compression Socks are too tight for your cup of tea, try Sockwell. Nabee socks are also beautiful socks. I haven’t had a chance to try them, but they landed in the top 10 because they’re still on my “gotta try those” list. And these ones aren’t an affiliate link.

Okay, so CEP socks are many wonderful things. Unfortunately, budget-friendly isn’t one of them. Then again, they last. Of the many pairs of compression socks, they’ve been #2 for durability… only my own compression socks have outlasted them.

And so that brings us to the #1 best cute compression socks for nurses.

(Okay, so why on earth am I linking to my own socks – but on Amazon?? Well, because they’re there – and so you can check out the reviews if that’s your thing. Obviously, if you’re gonna buy socks, save yourself a few clicks and buy socks directly from my shop.)

Which are your favorite cute compression socks for nurses? Did I miss any? Be sure to comment below – and then check out our Cute Compression Sock Shop!

Shopping for clothes is, sad to say, one of my least favorite activities. At least, it usually is. When we get the family together to go to the local thrift store, my husband will trot all the kids off to check out the toys (and then bathe them in hand sanitizer) while I quickly browse the women’s and kids’ sections. Then, we swap so he can see if they’ve got any new shirts he likes. But if I have to go alone? With all four of our kids? No way. I’ll stay home and gamble on sizes through Amazon, thank you very much. And I realize, that’s what a lot of y’all are doing when it comes to cute compression socks sizing.

You’re guessing. You’re taking a chance – a risk, even, on these socks I’ve designed. And I have to say – thank you for doing so.

But you know what? You don’t need to be taking so much risk. Let’s talk about how you size those socks, shall we?

So Cute Compression Socks Sizing is “One Size Fits Most”…

When I first started this Cute Compression Socks gig, there were zero cute options in the 20-30 mmHg performance range. The only “good” option were CEP performance and sport compression socks (which, let’s be honest… they’re amazing performance compression socks. They’re just sports compression socks – and not designed for maximum cuteness and/or fun). Today, there’s a lot more options – and more every day. That’s a testament to the fact that we all really want these socks!

Now, because I did design these socks off of the CEP size II socks, the sizing will be a little bit different than anyone’s used to. Why? Because compression socks do their sizing based on calf circumference.

Wait, what?

Calf circumference, y’all. Shoe size doesn’t much matter with these socks. They’re so tight and stretchy that they can adjust to accommodate most shoe sizes. So as long as you fall in the middle of the shoe size and calf circumference bell curves, you’re good. These will fit, provided you put them on correctly.

Translation: our “one-size-fits-most” is a MEDIUM

If you’ve tried on compression socks in a store, you’re probably ready to move on to another post, like this one about finding cute socks on a budget.

But for those who haven’t had the opportunity of being talked into buying ridiculously expensive running shoes (and then adding in a pair of compression socks, because what’s another $60 at this point?) let’s talk some more about what the sizing means.

So here’s what I did… due to copyright issues, I made my own sizing chart based off of CEP (and several other compression sock brands)’s sizing chart.

Here’s how you size for compression socks – measure your calf circumference at its widest point. That’d be your lower leg, as these socks aren’t supposed to go over your knees.

Know your measurement? Great. Compare it to this image:What size should you be wearing? As long as you’re a medium, you should fit and love cute compression socks.

Remember? Our “One-size-fits-Most” actually means “MEDIUM”

If you’re a small or a large, though… well, my goal is to one day have those sizes in stock. If you’re close-ish to a medium, you may still fit and love these socks. It’s a gamble, but that’s why we have a return policy.

When will other sizes be available?

It’s going to be a bit, so please don’t hold your breath. My current supplier only does one size, and I haven’t been able to find another supplier who both meets this level of quality and doesn’t cost more than my SUV did.

This is me giving y’all a heads up that there’s affiliate ad links in this post. Learn more.

If you could find your favorite product at a better price at a new store, would you still go to your old, reliable store? Or would you try the new store? I think it’s safe to say that a lot of us would give the new store a try – especially if it’s a product we know and love. Well, but how about when you’re looking for some cute compression stockings 20-30 mmHg on a budget?

Then would you try a new store? I would.

But would you try a new (or new to you) brand? Well, I guess then it depends.

I’m usually willing to try a new brand – if it looks like it’s going to get the job done – and the price is right. But are socks and stockings even the same thing?

What’s the difference… are they Cute Compression Stockings 20-30 mmHg or are they socks?

I remember when I was pregnant with our third boy, and I couldn’t find a single pair of cute compression socks in the 20-30 mmHg range. I could find a few in the 15-20 mmHg range, but I really wanted the tighter support. I tried searching for socks. I tried searching for stockings. And I realized, very quickly, that most manufacturers didn’t really differentiate between the two.

So as I started this whole cute compression sock shindig, I began to wonder… were these socks just socks? Or do people consider them stockings, too?

I’d always thought of stockings as a synonym for tights – and not just any tights… but specifically thigh-high nylons.

stocking: a women’s garment, typically made of nylon or silk, that fits closely over the foot and is held up by garters or an elasticized strip at the upper thigh. (from Google search: define stocking)

But as I’ve been in this sock business, I’m seeing something completely different. As I peek in the analytics and data behind sock searches, a lot of people are looking for “cute compression stockings 20-30 mmHg” – and a lot of them are clicking on these socks! So either the definition in my head isn’t quite right, or the definition has shifted in the public vernacular and Google hasn’t caught up yet. Either one could be right.

In any case, it seems like people seem just fine calling these knee-high compression suckers either socks – or stockings.

Newer, smaller brands are usually more budget-friendly.

So getting back to the question… are you willing to try a new-to-you brand?

When it comes to my Grape Nuts, I’m sorry – I have to buy the brand name. The generics don’t taste right to me. But I’ve tried them… and every time I see a new store brand, I consider trying it.

But with a lot of other things – I’m more than happy to try the newer brands. Recently, I needed a new pair of running shoes. And I wanted to try the minimalist shoes – but since it was a new thing to me, I didn’t have any brand loyalty. I ended up buying from a smaller-than-Nike-sized brand – and can I just tell you how much I **LOVE** my Xeros?

They aren’t as budget-friendly as buying a pair of generic sneakers from WalMart… but given that they should outlast my old pair of running shoes by several magnitudes, they’re a totally frugal choice for me.

So what about our cute compression socks…

Well, first let’s compare our cost and quality to some of the more “established” or big brands. (hey – we’re established! We’ve been around for 3 years and counting! We’re a small brand – and we’re just fine with that!)

Their socks: $30-50 per pair. Our socks (or stockings): $25 per pair.

I’ve put their socks (and my own) through the wash. I’ve worn them all over and back again. And you know what? They’re pretty comparable… okay, except ours have that double-lined sole for extra comfort. And they’re up to half the cost.

Why that big of a difference? Well, when you’re working out of a home office and you’ve got all of your socks stored in boxes in the corner, your overhead costs are a ton lower. The downside to my office, of course, is that it means I can only carry a couple of designs. Because being able to open and close the door is important, y’all.

In any case, these socks may not be a well-known name brand. But their quality is right up there with the big-name brands. So what do you say…

We use cookies on this website to make improvements to the site, let us track site views, see what engages readers, and generally awesome-ize your visit. If that's ok by you, please click the 'ok' button to snooze this message for 30 days. To learn more (or for directions on how to turn off these non-edible cookies) please click the 'read more' button.OkRead more